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2013 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences Offer Wealth of Information

AMES, Iowa ― Iowa pork producers are invited to learn more about herd health and disease diagnostics, get livestock and grain economic outlooks, and hear about changing feed and diet options at the 2013 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences scheduled for late next month. The Iowa Pork Industry Center, Iowa Pork Producers Association and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach cosponsor this annual series at different sites around the state.

IPIC extension program specialist Colin Johnson said this year’s dates of Feb. 25-28 follow the same schedule at all four locations with sessions held from 1 to 4:30 p.m. There is no cost for those who preregister. Walk-in registration is $5 per person, payable at the door. More information, including a link to the program brochure, is available on the IPIC website at www.ipic.iastate.edu/events/2013RegConf.pdf.

“Phil Gauger from Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine will share his experience and knowledge of various diagnostic practices, especially the use of oral fluid collection,” Johnson said. “The accuracy and timeliness of disease diagnosis can impact pig health, overall productivity and the financial bottom line of any operation.”

Lee Schulz, Iowa State University Extension livestock economist will encourage attendees to look ahead with his 2013 livestock and grain economic outlook.

Johnson said Iowa State University extension swine program specialists will have a dual role at the conferences.

“They’ll offer a three-part look at maximizing fed efficiency, including corn rationing, use of technology and fertilizer values,” he said. “Also, they’ll offer PQA Plus® training from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to each conference. This training is free to those who preregister, thanks to IPPA sponsorship.”

IPIC was established in 1994 as a coordinated effort of the colleges of Agriculture (now Agriculture and Life Sciences) and Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State. Its mission is to promote efficient pork production technologies in Iowa, maintain Iowa's pork industry leadership and strengthen rural development efforts. IPIC focuses its efforts on programs that are integral and complementary to Iowa State Extension and Outreach. Through IPIC, Iowa producers receive accurate and timely information to make their operations more efficient and profitable.